React, one of the most widely used open-source JavaScript libraries for building web and native user interfaces, is being transitioned from Meta to a newly formed React Foundation under the Linux Foundation. This move is intended to provide a neutral, community-led home for React, React Native, and related supporting projects, ensuring that the technologies remain open, innovative, and widely accessible. The Linux Foundation announced plans for the React Foundation on October 7, marking a major milestone in the library’s governance.
The React Foundation will serve as the central hub for the development and oversight of React and React Native, as well as auxiliary projects that support the ecosystem. According to Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation, this neutral governance structure is designed to foster long-term stability and community-driven innovation for the projects. By creating a dedicated foundation, React aims to maintain its relevance and growth while benefiting from the global open-source infrastructure and resources of the Linux Foundation.
React has become one of the most widely adopted front-end development technologies in the world. The library enables developers to build dynamic and interactive web applications, while React Native allows cross-platform mobile app development. According to BuiltWith, nearly 55 million websites currently use React, highlighting its extensive adoption across industries. The React Foundation aims to accelerate momentum for both libraries while providing a structured framework for governance, community support, and new initiatives.
Founding members of the React Foundation include major tech companies such as Amazon, Callstack, Expo, Meta, Microsoft, Software Mansion, and Vercel. The foundation will oversee core infrastructure, organize events, and launch programs to promote global collaboration within the React community. Seth Webster, head of React at Meta, will serve as the executive director of the foundation, guiding its initial operations and strategy. This transition signals a significant step in React’s evolution from a company-managed project to a community-governed open-source ecosystem.